Right in the heart of General Santos City, the determination of a family to seek justice shines ever brighter for Ali Jejhon Macalintal, a passionate trans rights advocate tragically killed in her acupuncture clinic on June 23, 2025. At 39, Ali was a symbol of courage, struck down by three shots to the abdomen by a masked assailant who escaped on a motorcycle, leaving behind a family devastated but unyielding in their quest for justice, even as the rain veiled his escape.Human Rights Watch
A Life of Courage and Commitment
Ali wasn’t just a participant in the struggle; she was a resonant force for the unheard. Serving as the former deputy secretary general of Karapatan in GenSan until 2018, she was a staunch advocate for LGBT rights, Moro causes, and the protection of Lumad lands in Mindanao. Between 2019 and 2023, Ali also shared her voice as an RPN XDX broadcaster, challenging authority and joining the 2017 Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya to protest against Duterte’s martial law injustices.Manila Today Her past involved enduring eight grueling years of imprisonment as one of the “GenSan Three,” a case that ended in acquittal in 2010 after it was revealed the evidence was fabricated, a trauma that fueled her activism despite ongoing harassment in 2024 and the chilling 2019 death rumors.Wikipedia
The Family’s Unyielding Resolve
Although the police are looking into possible business conflicts, her activist efforts, or previous leftist connections, while examining five recovered.45-caliber shells and CCTV footage, Ali’s family remains vocal.Inquirer.net Her neighbors and cousins faced questions from security forces about her location, yet her family continues to voice Karapatan’s demand: “Investigate every angle, from state harassment to her identity as a trans woman!” Cristina Palabay calls for fast action, while Bahaghari’s Reyna Valmores Salinas grieves the loss of a “powerful voice” during Pride Month.
The Echoes of Justice and Hope
International bodies like Human Rights Watch are pressing President Marcos for action, with Amnesty International highlighting ties to press freedom issues, and the Commission on Human Rights noting this case alongside another trans woman’s death.GMA Network Ali’s family, supported by the LGBTQIA community and allies, remains steadfast. “Ali taught us resilience,” a relative quietly shares. On the streets of GenSan, their energetic presence demands justice, believing that silencing one voice is an attempt to silence them all. The quest for justice for Ali is more than a plea; it’s a conviction shared by many.
